Swingable practice club with magnetically retained slidable sounding device



Dec. 10, 1963 w. GUIER SWINGABLE PRACTICE CLUB WITH MAGNETICALLY RETAINED SLIDABLE SOUNDING DEVICE Filed Jan. 29, 1962 INVIENTOR. Mil/am Gazer ATTORNEY United States Patent Office Fatented Dec. 10, 1963 a 11s 7s2 swmoanrn PnAcrrca bins wrrn MAGNETI- CALLY RETATNED SLTDABLE soUNnrNG DE- vtca Wiliiam Guier, 3106 E. 71st St, Tulsa 5, Okla. aired .lan. 2a, 1962, Ser. No. 169,320 3 (Zlaims. (Cl. 273-4186) This invention relates to a device which can be used to indicate when the body and arms swing properly to hit a ball. More particularly, the invention relates to a device which is useful in training a golfer to stroke a ball properly.

The proper swing of a golfer has the deceptive appearance of simplicity which is inherent in most skill sports. Actually, from the moment the golfer addresses his ball, he follows a complex pattern of motions to strike the ball properly. The club head is raised from a position behind the ball to a position over the shoulder in the back swing. The speed of the club head in this backswing should not be excessive nor erratic or the golfer will not properly prepare for his downswing.

The downswing should steadily accelerate the club by the arms and body of the golfer. The wrists should then rapidly accelerate the club head at the bottom of the swing, immediately prior to the balls being hit. The problem is to uncock the wrists to give the club head a rapid acceleration in order to attain a predetermined speed at the club head as the club head comes in contact with the ball.

The golfer needs an index of the speed of his club head. Having an adjustable index under his control, the golfer can concentrate on executing the various elements of both backswing and downswing that relate to the index. If an audible signal can be provided as an index, the swing of a golfer can be readily trained to not produce one value of the index in the execution of the backswing and to produce a second value of the index at the proper time in the downswing.

Mechanisms have been developed for golfers to attach to their golf clubs and give a visual and/ or audible index signal of the speed at which the club and attachment have been swung. However, attachments have the fundamental disadvantage of changing the balance of the club. The swing developed with a club-attachment combination is not that desired for practical use on the golf course. This approach to training is a delusion to the trainee.

Additionally, there is the danger of an attachment becoming detached from the club while a practice swing is being made. The attachment will become a projectile which will endanger bystanders.

Also, the use of an attachment limits the number of places in which practice swings can be made. A club of conventional length cannot be given a full, natural swing in most indoor locations without striking the ceiling and endangering other objects in the room. Even rugs on the floor of indoor locations are threatened with being cut by a conventional club. The attachment to such a club does not reduce the problems of using the conventional club for practice.

A truly flexible training device for the golf student should have the feel of a conventional club but have a length which is definitely shorter than that of a conventional club. A simulated club is required; a simulated club with a mechanism integral with the end of the club swung in practice. The mechanism fixed permanently to the simulated club end should react to the centrifugal force developed in the swing to give the desired signals which index the effort imparted to the swing by the trainee. Such a device can be utilized both indoors and outdoors with safety; there is nothing to fly off and strike a bystander or valuable objects of an indoor location. Further, the complete training device can be provided with a martingale which will prevent the trainee from inadvertently releasing the unit while executing the swing and developing the unit into a dangerous projectile.

One type of mechanism suitable to be made integral with a simulated club employs a magnet fixed to the end which is swung so as to hold a striker body in one of two positions with its magnetic force. When the simulated club is swung, centrifugal force is generated on the body of the striker and the striker carried to its second position to come against a sounding surface of an anvil. The audible signal which results from impact between striker and anvil indicates that the magnitude of the centrifugal force generated in the swing has exceeded a predetermined value of magnetic force on the striker.

The striker is preferred in the form of a sphere. The initial position of this ball, spaced a predetermined distance from the magnet, is exhibited on a scale. There are at least two basic problems in this mechanism; first, the problem of easily adjusting the spatial distance between the magnet and ball to set the strength of the magnetic force on the ball; and second, the problem of making the scale on which the spatial relationship between the magnet and ball is exhibited large enough to be easily and accurately read during the adjustment.

Still another problem that is considered in these de vices swung by a trainee relates to safety. A tether, or martingale, should be provided for the complete simulated club. This restraining means must cooperate with the arm of the trainee so as to prevent complete loss of control of the device upon failure of the hand grasp of the unit by the trainee while the swing is practiced. This means must be simple in structure to include it as a part of the simulated club while being readily attached to the arm of the trainee.

A principal object of the invention is to provide a means with which positions for a striker may be readily established at predetermined distances from a permanent magnet which is mounted in a fixed position on the swung end of a simulated golf club shaft.

Another object is to provide a scale and index which are moved relative to each other as the striker is moved to the predetermined distances from the permanent magnet so as to be readily read and interpreted.

Another object is to provide a means for readily calibrating the centrifugal force required to move the striker to its second position.

Another object is to restrain the freedom of the entire simulated club so as to prevent loss of control of the device by the trainee when the hand grasp of the trainee on the device fails.

The invention contemplates a combination which includes a permanent magnet, a striker member attracted by the magnetic force, a mechanism with which to establish the initial distance between the magnet and striker, a scale on which the distance between the permanent magnet and striker member is exhibited and an anvil positioned to be struck by the striker when the striker moves to its second position. The invention specifically contemplates the mechanism moving the striker to establish the initial distance between the magnet and striker.

The invention further contemplates a scale and index pointer attached to the mechanism moving the striker to rotate relative to each other at radii which will make the readings clearly readable and easily interpreted.

The invention further contemplates both the rotated scale and index pointer being threadedly connected to the magnet so pointer and scale may be given an initial calibration in relation to the initial distance between the striker and magnet.

The invention further contemplates the held end of the shaft on which the magnetic mechanism is mounted being provided with a sleeve of material which makes said hand grasp more efficient. The end of the sleeve is provided with an aperture in which is held the knotted ends of a loop of a tether. The tether loop is sized to fit readily over the wrist of one of the hands grasping the sleeve and control the complete unit should the hand grasp fail.

Other objects, advantages and features of this invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art upon consideration of the written specifications, appended claims and the attached drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a partially sectioned elevation, to scale, of a simulated club with a housing as the head end containing structure embodying features of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a section of FIG. 1 along lines 22;

FIG. 3 is a section of FIG. 1 along lines 33; and

FIG. 4 is a sectioned elevation of the end of the simulated club of FIG. 1 which is held by the hands of a trainee.

General Combination Referring specifically to FIG. 1, I represent the external appearance of a complete training device embodying my invention. The limited space available requires that I illustrate the complete length of elongated shaft in several sections. This shaft 111 is shaped to simulate the shaft of a golf club as it is adapted to be grasped by a first end 11 and swung with body, arms and hands of a golfer.

The second, or free, end 12 of shaft 10 has a sounding structure 13 mounted thereon. Sounding structure 13 embodies essential elements of the present invention. An important object is carried out when structure 13 is swung as the head of shaft 10 and the parts of the structure 13 produce a resounding click, an audible signal.

A person under training with this device of FIG. 1 has available both a means of changing the amount of centrifugal force needed to produce the audible signal and a scale and index pointer with which to relate the settings of the structure to the different values of centrifugal force. The means changing the amount of centrifugal force needed specifically positions a striker 14. The scale 15 and index pointer 16 give the visual reference between the initial position given striker 14 and the centrifugal force value needed to remove striker 14 from the initial position.

Initial Spatial Relationship Between Striker and Magnet Striker 14'is given the preferred form of a sphere. This spherical structure is made of material which is magnetically attracted by a magnet. A permanent magnet is fixed to the end 12 of shaft 10. Striker sphere 14 is initially positioned a predetermined distance from the magnet in order to establish the amount of magnetic flux holding the striker on a seat. More specifically, the structure 13 of FIG. 1 is shown in an elongated quartersection in order to illustrate a base member 17 partially journalled over the shaft end 12. This base 17 may be given a press fit on cylindrical shaft end 12 and/ or pinned permanently thereto by means of pin 18. This base member 17 is roughly in the form of a cylinder with threads along its external length and a hole drilled along its axis to receive shaft end 12 in its lower end and a magnet 19 in its upper end.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show magnet 19 in the shape of a solid cylinder. Base 17 is formed with its upper bore in its upper, or outer, end sized to receive magnet 19 with a press fit. Magnet 19 is held, by this simple arrangement, in a position fixed relative to the shaft end 12. FIG. 2 is a section through structure 13 which gives a view of the magnet 19* as it is held in the upper end of the axial .bore of base 17. The striker 14 is then given its initial position relative the magnet 19. The magnetic force of magnet 19 which holds striker 14 in this initial position is fixed in magnitude by the distance, the spatial relationship, between magnet and striker.

Adjustment of the Spatial Relationship In its initial position, striker 14 is held on a seating surface 20. Surface 20 is formed initially of, and on, a thimble 21 which is threadedly engaged to base 17. Rotation of thimble 21 in its threaded engagement with base 17 will move seating surface 20 relative to magnet 19. Striker 14 is, therefore, moved predetermined distances from magnet 19' when thimble 21 is rotated manually.

Thimble 21 may also be generally described as cylindrical in shape. The lower end 22 of this thimble is sized, and initially threaded, to engage the external threads of base 17. Above the lower threaded portion 22, an internal abutment 23 is extended inwardly to form the seating surface 21 Note that seating surface 21 on abutment 23, is coned downwardly as it approaches the axis of thimble 21. Abutment 23, and its surface 20*, is extended inwardly far enough to give solid support to striker 14 and the striker is pulled toward and retained in its initial position on seating surface 2% by magnet 19.

Sounding Surface Above abutment 23, thimble 21 is extended a distance over which striker 14 will travel to come against a sounding surface and give an audible click as the signal index. The striker is carried from seat 20 when centrifugal force on the striker 14 has exceeded the magnetic force on the striker. At the end of the distance traveled, an anvil 24 provides the sounding surface for the striker.

Upper end '25 of thimble 21 is more truly cylindrical in form than the lower portion 22, or the portion of thimble carrying abutment 23. This upper end 25 may be further characterized as in the shape of an unobstructed barrel down which spherical striker 14 moves like a bullet shot down the barrel of an old muzzle loader rifle. A section is formed at 33 in FIG. 1 with FIG. 3 to show striker 14 seated at abutment 23 and on surface 20. Released from surface 20, striker 14 will move upward, as viewed in FIG. 1, to come against internal surface 26 of anvil 24.

The internal wall of the upper end 25 of thimble 21 is shown as provided with ribs. These ribs help center the striker as it moves between seat 211 and anvil 24. The ribs also provide between them a passage for air around the striker body. Therefore, air pressure will not become a force as the striker is actuated between its two positions.

Anvil 24 may be characterized as a cap threaded to the upper end of thimble 21. This anvil-cap is formed with a large internal radius at 27 to make the sounding surface 26 respond to the impact of the striker with as much resonance as possible.

Scale and Index Pointer The threaded engagement of thimble 21 and base 17 provides means for adjusting the initial distance between striker 14, on its seat 20, and the magnet 19, fixed to base 17. The relation between the axial distance the thimble moves, relative base 17, and the number of turns the thimble is rotated in threaded engagement with base 17 can be set by the pitch of the threads with which the thimble ad base are engaged. Also, of course, multipleparallel thread engagement could be provided between these two bodies if desired.

The movement of thimble 21 downward, as viewed in FIG. 1, could be limited by contact of abutment 23 and base 17. However, I provide an adjustable stop by means of a collar 28 threaded about the lower end of base 17. Collar 28 need not be attached to base 17 through the threaded arrangement shown in FIG. 1. Collar 28 could be given a sliding fit over the threaded, or unthreaded, lower end of base 17 and fixed in position by set screw 29. However attached to base 17, collar 28 is a solid limiting abutment for the lower end 22 of thimble 21.

The external surfaces of both collar 28 and thimble 21 offer an excellent base for an index pointer and scale with which to visually exhibit the distance between strike 14 and magnet 19. In the embodiment shown, the external surface of the lower end 22 of thimble 21 is formed to provide more expanse for a scale than collar 28. In addition to arbitrary numbers and graduations, the external scale surface of thimble 21 is illustrated as provided with Values of yardage which will give the trainee a relation between the signal he produces and the distance he might expect the ball to be driven by his swing in producing the signal.

The collar 28 is used as a base for pointer 16. In FIG. 1 pointer 16 is shown as a simple mark scribed or printed on the surface of collar 28. This simple arrangement provides a fairly good reference between pointer 16 and scale 15. However, when scale 15 is moved away from collar 28 as thimble 21 is rotated, scale and pointer are separated farther than shown in FIG. 1 and reference between scale and pointer becomes more difficult.

It is well within the scope of my invention to mount an extended finger on collar 28 to serve the purpose of pointer 16. Such extended finger pointer could actually overlay the scale 15. Then as thimble 21 was rotated, scale 15 would slide beneath the finger pointer, giving consistent reference between the two.

The diameter of thimble 21 sets the distance at which scale 15 is rotated about the axis of thimble 21. The greater the diameter, the greater the expansion between the scale graduations. The portion of the thimble 21 on which the scale 15 is placed could be enlarged beyond that shown in FIG. 1. Fundamentally, the scale 15 and pointer 16 are placed at a distance from the thimble 21 axis which will give satisfactory readability.

In setting the pointer 16 opposite scale 15, the pointer 1e on collar 28 and collar 28 on base 17, the present arrangement has great flexibility under the concept of the present invention. Collar 28 has already been described as a means for limiting the travel of thimble 21 down the length of base 17 in FIG. 1. This function of collar 28 must be clearly seen in relation to its pointercarrying function. If collar 28 is fixed along base 17 to abut the lower end of thimble 21 and prevent the jamming of abutment 23 down on magnet 19, pointer 16 must be placed opposite scale 15 at the proper graduation of scale 15 to indicate the force of magnetic attraction between striker 14 and magnet 19. Obviously, if collar 28 and base 17 are threadedly engaged as illustrated, the limiting function of collar 28 would have to be set first and pointer 16 then placed on the collar 28 opposite the graduation of scale 15 corresponding to the magnetic force applied to striker 14 as it rested on seat 21). If collar 28 were in sliding relation to body 17, the axial abutment position could be given collar 28 and the pointer 16 fixed to collar 28 rotated to the proper scale graduation. In either event, set screw 29 represents a simple means for fixing collar 28 to base 17 for collar 28 to function in both capacities.

Whether pointer 16 is a separate member attached to collar 28, or a mark permanently scribed or otherwise imprinted on the surface of collar 23, the scale, pointer and magnetic force between striker 14 and magnet 19 must be calibrated before use of the device. The variation of the magnetic force over the range of distances between magnet 19 and striker 14 is determined in laying out scale 15 at the radial distance selected from the axis of thimble 21 rotation. Presumably, the largest value of magnetic force would be produced by positioning seat 2ilstriker 14 as close to magnet 19 as practical. FIG. 1 shows pointer 16 close to the maximum scale value and striker 14 close to the minimum distance between striker 14 and magnet 19. Rotation of thimble 6 21 counterclockwise, to the right as viewed in FIG. 1, will carry striker 14 away from magnet 19 and pointer 16 to decreasing scale 15 values.

In order to efficiently set the pointer-scale-magnet-striker relation I propose a-simple test weight apparatus, or centrifuge, be used. Neither test device is shown here, but they can be readily visualized. A striker of the size and material used for striker 14 could be attached to a spring balance and lowered down upper end 25 of thimble 21. When the magnet 19 pulls the test striker with a force corresponding to some predetermined value on scale 15, thimble 21 is rotated to place seat 20 beneath the test striker and pointer 16 is placed at the predetermined scale value. Assuming the scale values to be distributed commensurate with the magnetic force variations between striker and magnet 19, the device is then calibrated.

Safety Control Shaft end 11 is to be grasped by the hands of a trainee. The overall length of the device is fixed so that the device may be swung within a room having a ceiling of ordinary height. The device is intended to be somewhat shorter than a conventional golf club to prevent the trainee from striking a room ceiling, cutting rugs that may be on the floor and furnishings located about the room. The device has great flexibility insofar as the locations in which it may be used with safety.

An additional structure contributing to use of the training device with safety is mounted on the grasped end 11. PG. 1 illustrates the external appearance of a martingale, or tether, fixed to shaft end 11. FIG. 4 is established to show the details of construction by which this safety tether is mounted on the training device.

Specifically, in FIG. 4, shaft end 11 is shown as comprising the end 30 of hollow cylindrical shaft 10 with a cover 31 slipped over it. Cover 31 is preferably of a moldable material which improves the efficiency of a manual grasp of shaft end 11. An aperture 32 is formed in the lower end of covering 31 and sized to receive both sides of a loop of martingale 33. The cover 31 is fixed to the surface of shaft 10 with suitable adhesive.

Martingale 33 is a simple loop of strong but flexible material, preferably leather. It is knotted at 34, knot 34 being placed within cover 31 and shaft 39. Under ordinary stress, knot 34 cannot be pulled through aperture 32 in covering 31. To positively insure that knot 34 will not be pulled through aperture 32, I have placed a metallic washer 35 about the martingale loop and between knot 34 and the material of cover 31 about aperture 32.

Washer 35 provides a large surface area to the material of cover 31 about aperture 32. The stress of a pull on the tether will be distributed evenly about the material adjacent aperture 32 and prevent Withdrawal of knot 34.

A trainee using the device of FIG. 1 has martingale 33 available for one, or both, hands to be inserted therethromgh. This martingale will not interfere with the normal grasp of end 11, but should the manual grasp of the trainee fail, the martingale will prevent the device from leaving the complete control of the trainee and flying freely to a dangerous collision with some object or person. Thus, this martingale provides a valuable safety feature of my trainer for hitting balls.

From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all of the ends and objects herein-ahove set forth, together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the apparatus.

It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.

As many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from. the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or The invention having been described, what is claimed is: -1. A training club for use in instruction to hit a ball,

including,

an elongated shaft simulating an actual club shaft and adapted to be grasped by a first end to be swung as if to strike a ball with the second end,

a base member of generally cylindrical shape journalled partially over said second end with one end of an axial bore and having threads formed along its external surface length,

a magnet mounted in the other end of the axial bore of the base member,

a thim'ble of generally cylindrical shape and having threads formed on the interior surface of the axial bore at one end for engaging the threads of the base member by manual rotation of the thirnble,

a scale marked on the external surface of the rotatable thimble,

an index pointer mounted on the base member to indicate a scale value corresponding to the distance the thimble moves in a longitudinal direct-ion relative the base member as the thimble is rotated at definite amount,

a seat formed on an abutment within the axial bore of the thimble, a barrel portion of the thimble containing an unobstructed port-ion of the bore from the seat in a direction aligned with the shaft axis and away from the magnet,

a ball sized and magnetically attracted by the magnet to seat on the abutment, and a closure for the other end of the unobstructed axial bore of the thimble barrel which is struck by the ball if the centrifugal force generated on the ball in the swing of the training club overcomes the magnetic force and moves the ball from the seat end down the unobstructed bore and against the closure.

2. A training club for use in instruction to hit a ball,

including an elongated shaft simulating an actual club shaft and adapted to be grasped by a first end to be swung as if to strike a ball with the second end;

a base member of generally cylindrical shape journalled partially over said second end with one end of an axial bore and having threads formed along its external surface length;

a magnet mounted in the other end of the axial bore of the base member;

a thimble of generally cylindrical shape and having threads formed on the interior surface of the axial bore at one end for engaging the threads of the base member by manual rotation of the thimble;

a scale marked on the external surface of the rotatable thimble;

an index pointer mounted on the base member to indicate a scale value corresponding to the distance the thimble moves in a longitudinal direction relative the base member as the thimble is rotated a definite amount;

a seat for-med on a abutment within the axial bore of the thimble;

a barrel portion of the thimble containing an unobst-ru-cted portion of the bore from the seat in a direction aligned with the shaft axis and away from the magnet,

a ball sized and magnetically attracted by the magnet to seat on the abutment;

and a cap fixed to the other end of the unobstructed axial bore of the thimble barrel comprising,

a cylindrical portion directly attached to the thimble barrel wall,

and a flat surface closing one end of the cylindrical portion,

whereby a resonant sound is developed when said flat surface is struck by the ball if the centrifugal force generated on the ball in the swing of the training club overcomes the magnetic force and moves the ball from the seat down the unobstructed bore and against the flat surface.

3. A training club for use in instruction to hit a ball,

including,

an elongated shaft simulating an actual club shaft and adapted to be grasped by a first end to be swung as if to strike a ball with the second end,

a base member of generally cylindrical shape journalled over said second end with an axial bore and having threads formed along its external surface,

a magnet mounted on the base member,

a thimble of generally cylindrical shape and having threads formed on the interior surface of the axial bore at one end to engage the external threads of the base member,

a seat formed on an abutment within the axial bore of the thimble,

a barrel portion of the thinrble containing an unobstructed portion of the bore from the seat in a direction aligned with the shaft axis and away from the magnet,

a striker member sized to rest on the seat of the thimble and held on the seat by the force of the magnet,

a sounding member mounted on the barrel portion and in the bore an unobstructed length of the bore from the seat so as to be struck by the striker memher when the striker member is moved from the seat and down the bore by centrifugal force generated on the striker member when the shaft is swung as if to strike a ball,

and a scale and index pointer connected between the magnet and external surface of the thirnble to exhibit the distance between the magnet and seat within the thimble bore as values of yardage which will give a user of the training club a relation between the signal he produces by swinging the shaft and the distance be can expect a ball to be driven when struck by an actual club given an equal swing.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

3. A TRAINING CLUB FOR USE IN INSTRUCTION TO HIT A BALL, INCLUDING, AN ELONGATED SHAFT SIMULATING AN ACTUAL CLUB SHAFT AND ADAPTED TO BE GRASPED BY A FIRST END TO BE SWUNG AS IF TO STRIKE A BALL WITH THE SECOND END, A BASE MEMBER OF GENERALLY CYLINDRICAL SHAPE JOURNALLED OVER SAID SECOND END WITH AN AXIAL BORE AND HAVING THREADS FORMED ALONG ITS EXTERNAL SURFACE, A MAGNET MOUNTED ON THE BASE MEMBER, A THIMBLE OF GENERALLY CYLINDRICAL SHAPE AND HAVING THREADS FORMED ON THE INTERIOR SURFACE OF THE AXIAL BORE AT ONE END TO ENGAGE THE EXTERNAL THREADS OF THE BASE MEMBER, A SEAT FORMED ON AN ABUTMENT WITHIN THE AXIAL BORE OF THE THIMBLE, A BARREL PORTION OF THE THIMBLE CONTAINING AN UNOBSTRUCTED PORTION OF THE BORE FROM THE SEAT IN A DIRECTION ALIGNED WITH THE SHAFT AXIS AND AWAY FROM THE MAGNET, 